What Is New York Labor Law 240?
New York Labor Law 240, commonly known as the “Scaffolding Law,” makes property owners and contractors responsible for providing proper safety equipment, such as scaffolding, harnesses, and guardrails, to prevent injuries from falls or falling objects.
If these safety measures are not in place and a worker is injured, they may have the right to pursue compensation under this law.
A Long Island construction accident lawyer from Edelman, Krasin & Jaye can explain how this law applies to your case. We can help you file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit against a liable third party, such as a contractor who violated New York Labor Law Section 240.
What Makes Labor Law 240 Unique?
The work injury lawyers on Long Island from Edelman, Krasin & Jaye have seen what happens when important labor laws are overlooked.
New York Labor Law Section 240, the “Scaffolding Law,” is a law designed to protect construction workers by requiring property owners and contractors to provide proper safety equipment for those working at heights.
This can include scaffolding, harnesses, ladders, and similar tools. The law is unique because it enforces strict liability on those responsible for maintaining a safe worksite.
What Is Strict Liability?
Strict liability means that if a worker is injured due to missing or defective safety devices, the property owner or contractor can be held accountable, even if they weren’t directly negligent. Unlike other types of injury claims, workers do not have to prove negligence. It is enough to show that a violation of Labor Law 240 contributed to their accident.
This makes Labor Law 240 a powerful tool for injured construction workers, offering strong legal protections and opportunities for compensation in cases where safety wasn’t prioritized.
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Who Is Protected Under New York Labor Law 240?
New York Labor Law 240 applies to a wide range of workers, including:
- Construction workers involved in building or demolishing structures
- Painters working on exterior or elevated interior surfaces
- Electricians installing or maintaining wiring in hard-to-reach places
- Window washers cleaning multi-story buildings
- Carpenters, roofers, masons, and other tradespeople working on elevated platforms, scaffolds, or ladders
Workers engaged in tasks such as construction, demolition, repair, renovation, painting, or cleaning usually have protection under this law since it applies to situations where elevation-related hazards are involved, such as falls from heights or being struck by falling objects.
Whether working on a skyscraper or a smaller job site, employees performing these types of duties have the right to a safe working environment. If safety equipment like scaffolds, ladders, or harnesses is missing or fails, workers can seek compensation under this law. Labor Law 240 is a powerful tool for protecting those who face elevated risks in their jobs.
Examples of Labor Law 240 Violations
Many workers believe that Labor Law 240 only applies to high-rise construction projects, but this isn’t true. The law covers a wide range of elevated work situations, no matter the size of the project.
Similarly, some think you can only file a claim if safety equipment wasn’t provided at all, but Labor Law 240 also applies if safety equipment fails or is improperly set up. Even if you believe you were partially at fault, you are still protected because this law operates under strict liability. Examples of violations of the law include:
- Missing or poorly installed scaffolding: Workers injured when scaffolding is not installed properly, collapses, or fails to meet safety standards are often protected.
- Faulty or missing harnesses and guardrails: If workers are not provided with secure harnesses or guardrails, and they fall as a result, this is a clear violation of the law.
- Defective ladders or other equipment: Accidents caused by broken, unstable, or unsafe ladders, pulleys, or hoists are examples where safety equipment failed.
- No fall protection in dangerous areas: Open holes, unguarded edges, or elevated workspaces without adequate fall protection can result in injuries and leave property owners or contractors liable.
A lawyer from Edelman, Krasin & Jaye can determine if your employer, a contractor, or a property owner violated New York Labor Law Section 240 and build your claim.
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How Edelman, Krasin & Jaye Protects Construction Workers
At Edelman, Krasin & Jaye, we’ve been fighting for injured construction workers across New York since 2000. Our team understands the risks you face on the job and the devastating impact an accident can have on your life. That’s why we work tirelessly to hold negligent property owners and contractors accountable under Labor Law 240.
With over half a billion dollars recovered for our clients, our results speak for themselves. Whether it’s a fall from scaffolding, a ladder collapse, or missing fall protection, we’ve successfully handled cases where workers were injured because safety requirements were ignored.
Our team is uniquely equipped to take on the toughest cases. With former prosecutors and insurance professionals on staff, we have an insider’s understanding of how to challenge insurance companies and fight for the benefits and compensation you deserve.
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Our Lawyers Can Explain What New York Labor Law 240 Is and How It Applies to Your Case
If you’ve been injured on a construction site due to unsafe conditions, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Edelman, Krasin & Jaye has been protecting the rights of injured workers since 2000, recovering over half a billion dollars for clients just like you.
Our team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, whether it’s for medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Call us today for a free consultation.
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